Today (01/05/24) Dr Neil Hudson MP utilised a rare Prime Minister's Question opportunity to refocus the nation's attention on our beleaguered allies in Ukraine and pay tribute to people up and down the land who are doing us proud by supporting Ukraine.
Dr Hudson specifically championed his constituents at the Pot Place Garden Centre in Plumpton who have delivered essential supplies including ambulances, blood bikes, and medical equipment to Ukraine; as well as Steve Hodgson providing vital aid to Ukraine.
Dr Hudson has been a ceaseless advocate for Ukraine's future. Providing international solidarity against Putin's illegal invasion and standing up for freedom, democracy and security across the globe. You can read Dr Hudson's comprehensive account of our need to support the people of Ukraine both at home and internationally, which was published online here.
Recently, Dr Hudson has met with Paul Thomas and Kevin Roper who co-own the Pot Place after supporting them to secure decommissioned police bikes and turn them into paramedic bikes; helped enact stricter economic sanctions on Russia; and supported the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
In the Chamber at Prime Minister's Questions, Dr Neil Hudson MP asked:
"I welcome our Government's commitments to boosting defence spending and supporting Ukraine, made possible by this Conservative Prime Minister's international leadership and sound management of the economy.
"My constituents have been doing us proud supporting Ukraine like the Pot Place Garden Centre delivering ambulances, medical equipment and supplies, and Steve Hodgson providing vital aid.
"Would the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to my constituents and people up and down the land for their support for Ukraine and reaffirm that we will continue to stand with Ukraine for the sake of freedom, democracy and global security?"
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak replied:
"I join my hon. Friend in thanking people up and down the country, including the fantastic work of his constituents in supporting the Ukrainian community in the face of Putin's illegal invasion.
"We remain steadfast in support of Ukraine and in total, since the war began, we've pledged over 12 billion pounds of aid to Ukraine. Last week, we announced an additional half a billion pounds of funding which will be used to deliver much needed ammunition, air defence and engineering support, and drones.
"But more importantly, and President Zelenskyy welcomed this, we are able to now say that we will continue with this level of support for as long as it takes because of the historic increase in our defence spending.
"And, it's crystal clear that on this side of the House we can say that our support to Ukraine will never waver."
Recently the Prime Minister has committed to raise our national defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 given the acute threats liberal democracies around the world are facing. This announcement included an immediate injection of £500 million for the largest-ever single package of equipment for our Ukrainian allies. This takes our total support to £3 billion this year and will deliver urgently needed ammunition, air defence and drones. The package of equipment includes 400 vehicles, more than 1,600 munitions including additional Storm Shadows, more than 4 million rounds of small arms and 60 boats.
You can read more about this vital announcement here.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP added:
"At this critical juncture for global security, it is so vital we keep our eyes firmly focused on Ukraine. I therefore felt it important at PMQs to again raise the plight of our beleaguered allies in a show of solidarity with free liberal democracies around the world. I applaud the Prime Minister in his forward thinking policy of increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP so that we can defend our nation and our allies in an increasingly dangerous world.
"I again pay tribute to the Pot Place team, Steve Hodgson and people across the nation who understand that Ukraine's security is our security, and are doing so much to bolster it at home and abroad."
